Tim Duncan to return to San Antonio Spurs for 19th season

The low-key superstar who has led the San Antonio Spurs to five NBA titles announced Thursday that he will return next year for a 19th season, using a one-sentence text to the San Antonio Express-News:

"I'll be back on the court."

Those words should be enough to spark celebrations by Spurs fans hoping to keep together a wildly successful lineup that includes Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili and is looking to add the services of highly coveted free agent LaMarcus Aldridge.

According to the Express-News, Duncan was part of a contingent that traveled to Los Angeles on Wednesday to pitch the Spurs to Aldridge.

During the trip, the report said, Duncan had a sit-down discussion with Coach Gregg Popovich, which led to the 15-time all-star's decision to return for at least another year.

Duncan, a three-time NBA Finals MVP and a two-time league MVP, has spent his entire NBA career playing for Popovich in San Antonio. He and the Spurs are just a year removed from their most recent championship run.

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